If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Re: Hive removal from tree being cut down

While I am anything but an expert, I will give you my 2 cents. Cut the tree then stand the area with the hive up right. Let them calm down for a couple days. Then cut into the area of the tree with the hive in it. Remove the comb and as much brood and honey as you can. Good Luck

Re: Hive removal from tree being cut down

Drop the tree is very hard on them. If you cAn lower the part with the bees. Start by cut the tree above where the hive stop in the tree. Then cut it off lower to ground. Then cut top off When it's standing. Put a inner cover over the top of hive. Then whole box inner cover lid you're done

Re: Hive removal from tree being cut down

well, depending on where the hive is, I would top the tree until I got down to the actual colony. Then I would make two vertical cuts about 6 to 8 inches apart. Then make perpendicular cuts at the top and bottom of the notch and remove it. Reach in, start pulling brood comb out and transfer it to a frame (google rubber band method) I would get as much brood as I could and place in hive body as close to the colony as possible. YOu can also google bee vac or look here on beesource for plans, I'd vac as many bees as I could and place in with brood. Let them set for a day or so to rob the old colony out, and move to new home. 30 years ago I did drop a tree with a colony in it. Not on purpose, but boy, did the guys riding by on bicycles sure speed up!!!

Re: Hive removal from tree being cut down

dropping a bee tree is always iffy, I have done several and most of the time it is a mess, the fall breaks up comb, kills bees and suffocates brood, spills honey and nectar everywhere. up righting the hive helps some, but time is not usually on your side. I have tried several methods. I have come to the conclusion that if I cannot lower the hive section to the ground easily. then I want to get it open and the condense removed as soon as possible. This seems to afford the best opportunity for the bees that survive the fall. I once rescued a queen who was sandwiched between comb, and covered with honey. once free her attendants were able to clean her up so she could go back to work.

Re: Hive removal from tree being cut down

Not coming down today, saw issues. LOL And after reading these I am glad, maybe a pole saw would work better. Can likely chop some of the top of the tree out with a pole saw, maybe can borrow one.

Hive opening is about 7 feet off the ground.

So if the chamber above or below the hole would make some serious differences in how I cut the tree. So how do I figure out where the top of the chamber is without just starting to chop the tree up. Guess I will cut a window like Nomad said. Thanks everyone.

Was wanting to clean all these tallow trees in one weekend. Guess that will wait.

Re: Hive removal from tree being cut down

you can use a long drill bit to drill into the tree if you don't hit honey or comb --go a little lower --to find where to cut ---like other have said by dropping the hole tree you will kill a large % of the bees and possible QUEEN --use the tree log for a hive in your bee yard is neat--a good conversation piece ---lol lol